The Helix Protocol

The din of the VTOL's engines filled the cabin, and the aircraft picked up speed, moving away from the research facility. Jill continued to stare at Dr. Grant, awaiting an explanation for the mysterious mention of the "Helix Protocol." Next to him, Dr. Park and Henry were catching their breaths as relief slowly set in after their narrow escape. But the tension still hung in the air, and Jill knew they couldn't afford to let their guard down yet.

Dr. Grant's hands shook a little, but he took a deep breath and plunged ahead. "The Helix Protocol is. well, it isn't exactly a research project," he stammered. "It is a classified initiative relating to the networking of scientists throughout different fields such as quantum physics, nanotechnology, genetic engineering. The government has been funding this for years, attempting to push the human boundary as far as possible with technological integration.

Jill narrowed her eyes. "Integration? You mean advanced cybernetics?

More than that," Dr. Grant replied, his eyes locking with Jill's, "the project was about integrating technology directly into the human nervous system-developing an interface that could enhance physical and cognitive skills in ways previously unimaginable. We were working on prototypes that could be implanted directly into the brainstem and spinal cord, enhancing such human capabilities as strength, agility, and information processing.

Dr. Park shook her head in disbelief. "That form of technology… it's risky. The potential side effects—

Huge, I know," Dr. Grant cut in, his voice somber. "But perfected, it can be revolutionary. The problem is, Nexus has somehow learned about the Helix Protocol, and they have been trying to steal our data. If they get their hands on it, they won't hesitate to weaponize it. They could create an army of enhanced operatives, people who could outmatch any normal soldier.

A chill ran down Jill's spine. This was uncomfortably close to what he himself was going through. He couldn't afford to let that be known, at least not yet. "So Nexus is targeting the scientists working on this program to gain access to your research and prototypes?" he asked.

"Yes," said Dr. Grant. "We were not all working on the same piece of the puzzle, but if they round up enough of us, they can reconstruct the whole thing. That is why we were all kept in the dark about other people's contributions-so no one could reveal the complete picture. It seems Nexus has found a way around that."

Henry, who had remained silent through most of the discussion, leaned forward. "How many scientists are part of the Helix Protocol, and how many of those have already been targeted?

Dr. Grant rubbed his temples as if trying to recall the details. "There were a dozen of us, working in secret locations across the country. Thus far, I know of at least four who have gone missing or been attacked. Dr. Park here was probably next on their list, and now they're after me.

The urgency was growing in Jill's veins. There was a pattern: Nexus was hunting down the scientists from Helix Protocol, and with each captive, the chance of their unraveling the mystery of it and making a more advanced version was imminent. "SEA-Z, cross-reference the names of the missing or attacked scientists, looking for any similarities between research field or projects," he ordered silently.

Analyzing now, Host," SEA-Z replied-its tone as tranquil and efficient as the end of the world.

The VTOL continued flying, cutting across the skyline of the city as the sun dipped below the horizon and cast the sky into shades of deep purple and blue. It was headed for a safe house on the outskirts, one that only a few in Jill's circle of confidence knew existed.

As they drew closer to the safe house, Jill's head was abuzz with ideas on what the Helix Protocol might mean for the next few days. "If Nexus does get this tech," he exclaimed under his breath, "things will go really awry." Jill never wanted the SEA-Z system at first, and now he had begun to wonder if he was just some kind of puppet all along to begin with. Coincidence on this mission, or was he somehow part of the Helix Protocol without knowing it?

The VTOL landed on the rooftop landing pad, and Jill quickly ushered the group out and into the building. It was a modest safe house-an unassuming warehouse with reinforced walls and an underground bunker, enough supplies to hold out for weeks if need be. As they descended into the bunker, Jill could see the fatigue start to settle in around the eyes of Dr. Park and Dr. Grant.

We should get some rest," Jill said, his tone softer now that they were temporarily out of danger. "We'll be safe in here, at least for the night. We need to regroup and figure out a plan for how we can protect the remaining scientists." He could see Dr. Park's eyes darting nervously toward the steel-reinforced door behind them. She had every right to be frightened; the events of the last few hours had been overwhelming even for him.

As Dr. Park and Dr. Grant retired to a small lounge to get some rest, Jill pulled Henry to one side, his voice low. "Henry, I need you sharp. Take a look around the perimeter, see if there's any indication that Nexus could've followed us here. If they do show up, we need to know it well before they get close.

Henry nodded, his face turning grave. "Will do. I'll put motion detectors outside, too. We can't have another ambush like before."

As Henry went to attend to the safe house's security, Jill retired to a smaller side room and shut the door behind him. He needed some time to himself to digest all that he had just heard—and also to inform SEA-Z without being overheard:. Sinking down onto the edge of an old metal cot, he slowly exhaled a breath. "SEA-Z, what do you make of all this?" he asked softly.

"Does Helix Protocol do something with you?"

"Host, the information on the Helix Protocol matches a number of restricted files encoded into my core database," SEA-Z said. "But even I don't have access, so this would mean an extreme level of secrecy on the project. It is also possible that the technology involved with the Helix Protocol is related to my creation, or knowledge of the program by my creators."

Jill fisted his hands, frustration mounting inside him. "So you are telling me you also don't know who created you or why?" Really being left in the dark over something so intrinsic to his now current reality really gnawed on him. Correct, Host. I am unable to trace my exact origins beyond the initial activation sequence. However, my capabilities suggest I was designed to have a level of sophistication matching or exceeding those described in the Helix Protocol." Jill leaned back against the wall, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

There was something deeply unsettling about being part of a conspiracy where even the advanced AI inside his head didn't have all the answers. A cop used to uncovering the truth, this was deeper than anything he had encountered before, a whole world of secret programs, rogue organizations, and human enhancements with capabilities that could alter the very fabric of society. He pushed off the cot and rejoined Dr. Park and Dr. Grant in the lounge area. "Listen," he said, his voice steady but urgent. "We need to take stock of what we know and what we don't.

"I confirmed that the information regarding the Helix Protocol is highly classified. That is to say, we're up against some powerful forces-most likely connected to both government and private sectors deep down!" He continued, "And, Nexus has already taken a few of your colleagues indicates that they're closer to piecing together the technology." 

Dr. Park nodded, her brow furrowed in concern. 

"If they can reverse-engineer the prototypes, they may start cranking out enhanced operatives who are stronger, faster, and smarter than anything we have ever seen. They might apply them to assassinations, espionage, and even large-scale military operations." Dr.park said grimly. 

"That's just what I'm afraid of," Jill said, pacing the room as he spoke, "We can't just stay on the defensive. We need to figure out where Nexus will strike next or find a way to throw them off balance."

Dr. Grant looked up now, his eyes wide with comprehension. "There could be a way," he said; then his voice rose in urgency. "There's one place Nexus doesn't know about, the backup lab where I stored some of my research data in case anything happened to me. If we can retrieve that data, it may help us predict Nexus's next move or even disrupt their plans."

Jill was immediately interested. "Where is this lab?"

"It's located in an abandoned military facility on the outskirts of the city," Dr. Grant said. "It hasn't been used in years, and I had it retrofitted with top-of-the-line security to keep my work safe. If we hurry, we can get there before Nexus even realizes it exists." He explained.

Jill exchanged a look with Henry, who'd returned from securing the perimeter. "It's a risk, but it's our best shot," Jill said firmly. "We'll leave at first light. Get some rest—tomorrow, we're bringing the fight to Nexus."